Health Library

Discharge Instructions for Laryngectomy

You had a procedure called laryngectomy, which is surgery to remove the larynx (voice box). The larynx is located in the throat. It connects the upper part of the airway (mouth and throat) with the lower part of the airway (trachea). Here's what you need to know about home care after surgery.

Incision and stoma care

Check your incision site daily for 1 week after discharge. Change the dressing according to the directions you were given.

Bathe in shallow water. If any water enters your stoma, it will make you cough.

Use a waterproof bib to cover your stoma when you shower.

Don’t swim.

Learn to care for your stoma. This includes cleaning and suctioning.

Wear a stoma cover to keep moisture from being lost when you breathe.

Use a cool-mist humidifier by your bedside. Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly.

Activity

Plan frequent rest periods to avoid shortness of breath.

Don’t drive until you are off your pain medication and free of pain. This may take 2 to 4 weeks.

Other home care

Wear a medical alert pendant or bracelet to alert others to your condition. It should say “Neck Breather—Resuscitate Through Stoma.”

Use pain medication as needed.

Do not take an oral diet until your doctor says it's OK. When you do start an oral diet, pay careful attention to your neck and wound. If you have any saliva or drainage from the wound, or if you have increased neck pain or redness of the neck or wound, immediately stop the oral diet and contact your doctor. These may be signs of a possible fistula or breakdown in the wound healing process, which can happen as long as 3 or 4 weeks after the operation.

Plan a diet that helps you avoid choking. You may receive tube feedings and progress to soft foods and liquids as your swallowing reflex returns.

Keep a pad of paper and a pen close at hand to communicate with others.

Develop a plan for learning to speak again. Ask your doctor about the options available to you.

Keep in mind that your sense of smell will be severely affected by the operation, as you will be breathing through your neck. Because of this, you may be at increased risk of things like food poisoning. Consider labeling all the foods in your refrigerator with expiration dates, since you may not be able to smell spoilage. Also double check your smoke alarms to be sure they are working since you may not be able to smell smoke in the event of a fire.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

Arrange to see a speech pathologist.

Ask about reconstructive surgery, if needed.

When to seek medical care

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:

Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)

Signs of infection around the stoma or incision (redness, drainage, warmth, pain)

Shortness of breath without exertion

Trouble swallowing

Nausea or vomiting

IMPORTANT: If you ever have trouble breathing, call 911 (emergency) right away.